i have a early 94 7.3 Navistar IDI... i've only been a diesel guy for the last 2 years, and i'm not too knowledgeable when it comes to the actual differences between IDI's and Powerstrokes... recently bought an Edge Evolution programmer only to find out once i got it that it doesn't work with "non-powerstroke" 7.3's... that being said, does any one know of any ways to boost horses or torque? i'm on a kinda small budget, and the only thing i've been able to find is a cold air intake... i've even considered trying to pull the PCM out of a powerstroke and wiring it into my IDI... anyone with any helpful information, please help me out!!!

 

The IDI's are mechanical, powerstrokes are electrical-just about the only thing they have in common is the engine size but everything else is totally different. As for wiring a tuner into your IDI, It can't be done (at least I haven't seen it attempted yet) because the fuel system on IDI's is all mechanical (which is great cause its easy to fix and parts are cheap). You can, on the other hand, turn up the IP (injection pump) by rotating a allen key inside the pump but I would recommend getting a pyrometer if your gonna touch the IP.

As a lot more power goes, I just got a banks turbo, new injectors, put 3.5 inch exhaust on and I have a lot more power. Wasn't cheap though, but I bought the turbo used and saved a heck of a lot of money doing it that way. The simplest answer your gonna get to drastically improving the IDI's performance is a turbo. There are certain things you can do to tweak it in non-turbo form to get power (cold air intake, bigger exhaust, turning up IP, etc.), but you gonna get substantial power gains (one turbo claims 80 HP and 140 ft/lbs torque) from installing a turbo. I would go used (I did go used) if I was you and find a good one on craigslist or ebay. I got a complete banks sidewinder kit, minus exhaust, with 2,500 miles on it for 1K and I heard of some guys getting em' for as low as $400 too. If you are patient enough, you can get a good deal on a used turbo especially in these tough economic times when everyone needs a little cash.

 

Yaa, your the PCM in the IDI only controls the E4OD automatic transmission (if you have it), otherwise its just a wiring terminal for the oddball accessories, nothing engine-wise at all.

I also bought a Banks Sidewinder (new, from Banks) turbo and saw a big increase in power, but lots of $$$. I notice you have a 1994 which may have a factory turbo, I also had this but the replacement was still a huge difference.

Be very careful buying things that list compatibility with "1994 7.3L Diesel"
You're always better off saying you have a 1993, as 94 had an overlap of two totally different 7.3L diesels.

 

Ok I guess I'll just have to start saving lol thanks for all the help guys!

 

keep and eye on the classifieds and ebay, they come along every now and then.

 

here's a question now... i did some research and can't find an answer to it... i have a Garrett TP38 non-wastegated turbo (P/N: 1820612c91). i've seen that it is interchangable with other P/N's and i was wondering if there would be any noticable power change by just swapping it with another, or would i just be better off upgrading the compressor wheel and thrust bearing assembly?

 

I thought you didn't have a turbo on your truck. I'm pretty sure garrets went on the DI powerstrokes.

 

yeah, that's where i was kinda confused... and it says "International Model A215" on the engine, but has a garrett and says "direct injection" on the top... but from everyone i've talked to, there was only International's IDI, and the Powerstroke... but it seems i have a combination of the two almost...

 

If it says DI on the top, its a power-stroke. My IDI engine compartment used to look like this......

 

how do you attach photos??? and i'll show you what i'm workin with...

 

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...ictureid=55611

 

Thats a power stroke, perhaps a mod could move this thread? Well buddy that tuner should work after all, good luck with your power stroke. The guys on the power stroke forum should know almost everything about that engine, their section is right above this section on this forum.

 

definitely a stroke. get that programmer back on and you will be smokin and rollin.

 

you guys are awesome! thanks for all the help!